A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Attractions

Should you visit Chania or Milan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Milan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a picturesque, historic, and idyllic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Chania and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Chania. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Milan is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chania attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Chania is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Chania different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milan and Chania. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chania or Milan?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chania or Milan.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Chania can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Is the Food Better in Chania or Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Chania and Milan both to be first-rate destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Milan just to party. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Chania is not a live music destination.

In Milan you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Chania is not a live music destination.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Beaches?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

Chania is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Hiking?

Chania is great for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chania for the hiking trails. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Families?

Chania is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chania. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Couples?

Chania and Milan are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Milan are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Milan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Chania or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Chania is very walkable. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Chania?

How long in Chania or Milan?

In either Chania or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Chania because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Milan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chania, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Milan than Chania. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Chania if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Milan.

One day in Chania or Milan?

In Chania, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this picturesque destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Chania or Milan?

Chania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Chania. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Chania or Milan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Chania. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Milan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Milan, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan than you might in Chania.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Milan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Chania or Milan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chania or Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chania is a little warmer than Milan in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Milan. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Milan. Many travelers come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than Milan. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Milan. Many visitors come to Chania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. In January, Chania is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Milan. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Chania is a little warmer than Milan in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Milan during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Milan. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Chania